Orion Marine Group christened its newest dredge, Lavaca, Nov. 10 at Port Lavaca, Texas.
The recently commissioned Lavaca has undergone a complete rebuild over 15 months, including detailed engineering by The Shearer Group, Inc. to meet Orion’s requirements for lengthening and widening of the hull by Southwest Shipyard, L.P.
“Advancements to the dredge’s ladder, accommodations, and operating systems were made to continue to provide exceptional dredging service to its clients and industry partners in both the public and private sectors along the Gulf Coast,” according to a statement from Orion. “The Lavaca is scheduled to begin work in November 2022 and will take part in the continued maintenance of waterways, deepening and widening projects for years to come.”
The rebuilt Lavaca has been outfitted with the latest state-of-the-art technology including onboard continuous survey monitoring systems, dredge pump, draw works, and cutter automation systems with fully electric draw works and spud winch systems, allowing the dredge to operate more efficiently in both maintenance and virgin material projects.
The design of the dredge, including its modular quarters, walkways, access and egress points, ventilation, handrail & fendering systems have all been engineered specifically with an emphasis on safety.
Design improvements to the crew accommodations reduced noise and vibrations during dredging operations, and provide a reprieve for the crew during their rest periods. The open-concept lever room allows for the leverman to monitor and control all dredging systems from a specially-designed control station with touchscreen displays and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a 180-degree field of view.
The Lavaca has been repowered with tier III marine gensets supplied by Mustang Cat, maintaining a consistent supply of power to the electrical switchboards and controls systems provided by Avid and DSC, as well as electrical cabling, lighting, and alarm systems supplied and installed by Rio Marine Controls & Hydraulics.
“Tier III diesel-electric engines and electric winches provided by Nabrico and Timberland Equipment is another step forward for Orion to continue our commitment to protecting the environment by preventing potential spills and reducing NOx emissions within our operating areas,” the company said.
“A special thank you goes out to our dedicated team of personnel and contractors that helped make this project possible. Orion’s commitment to Safety and “Target Zero” is also instilled into our vetted contractors and is reflected indirectly in this project, as we have surpassed 65,000 manhours without any lost time incidents or recordable injuries. Congratulations to all involved in this project on this achievement.”
